Theresa May and Donald Trump have agreed to 'deter' the Assad regime from further use of chemical weapons, as the prospect of military strikes draws closer. The Prime Minister and US President affirmed the need to 'challenge' the apparent atrocity carried out by Syrian regime forces, following Cabinet backing for joining military action.
Mrs May is facing growing calls for a Commons vote before UK forces become involved in reprisals. However, she is constitutionally entitled to order British forces into action without a parliamentary vote, under the Royal Prerogative. Commons divisions have been held on almost all military action since the Iraq War in 2003, establishing a firm convention, but no hard rules oblige a vote.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accused the Prime Minister of taking 'instructions' from Donald Trump and ruled out support for any military action. He refused to blame the Assad regime for the attack or rule out Russian claims that the attack was faked, urging instead a UN investigation—despite Russia vetoing the idea at the Security Council this week.
The US and France say they have blood and urine samples testing positive for chlorine and nerve agent. At a two-hour meeting, the Cabinet agreed to 'take action' to deter further use of chemical weapons and alleviate humanitarian suffering, but did not specify what action or timescale.
Mrs May told her Cabinet that Saturday's gas attack in Douma was a 'shocking and barbaric act which killed up to 75 people, including children'. She is thought to have ordered Royal Navy submarines carrying cruise missiles into range of Syria, while Britain also has squadrons of Tornado and Typhoon jets stationed in Cyprus.
